Water/Sewer Foreman I

About the role

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules and implements construction, maintenance, operation and construction activities designed to provide quality water/sewer services for the city;
• Oversees construction and maintenance work to determine acceptability and conformance to standards;
• Trains, supervises and disciplines employees performing the duties of maintenance, supplies and equipment used in the maintenance, construction and repair or water/sewer systems and other department facilities;
• Supervises the control and use of, and assumes responsibility for all materials, supplies and equipment used in the maintenance, construction and repair of water/sewer systems and other department facilities;
• Inspects and supervises the repair of water systems and sewer systems at frequent intervals to insure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly;
• Requisition needed supplies for the department and maintains a variety of records relating to personnel, equipment, supplies, water consumption and reports;
• Advises Superintendent, Attorney, Engineer and other city officials in matters relating to department activities; provides information to various civic, school and public groups and individuals regarding water/sewer systems;
• Supervises, instructs and assists assigned crews in installing new water and sewer lines, installing and relocating fire hydrants and meters, water distribution and sewer collection systems;
• Insures that all necessary materials, supplies and equipment are available by maintaining an inventory of parts and materials and obtaining necessary parts, tools and supplies from the store room;
• Supervises the location of gas, telephone, power, television, water and sewer lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation and informs crew of such locations;
• Responds to complaints regarding water leaks, pressure loss or no water; evaluates situations, determines if liability lies with the city or the property owner; explains findings to property owners and notifies appropriate water and sewer crew if necessary;
• Contacts residents and business owners in an area where services will be disconnected and explains when services will be shut off and how soon it will be turned back on;
• Insures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by supervising and participating in cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use;
• Oversees the safety of assigned maintenance workers and equipment operators by instructing individuals in proper safety procedures and monitoring work in progress;
• Assists in motivating and evaluating personnel by acting as a liaison between crew members and other City supervisors;
• Inspects and assists in the control and use of supplies and equipment used in the maintenance, construction and repair of water lines and sewer lines and other department facilities to insure that all equipment is in proper working order;
• Analyzes annual operating costs and makes recommendations for department budget;
• Analyzes and projects the needs of the city for equipment, supplies and materials for completion of the same;
• Provides recommendations regarding heavy equipment purchases and requisitions all supplies and materials needed for effective department operation.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and Seven (7) years of experience relating to the construction, repair and maintenance of water, sewer, street or storm drainage systems including the operation of related maintenance equipment, or any equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Possess a valid Oklahoma state driver's license and CDL Class “B” with air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain one within in 12 months of hire;
• Must be insurable with City’s insurance carrier.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in public water distribution systems and sewer collection system;
• Abilities: Come to work on time, follow directions, be honest and dependable, maintain safe work environment, be cooperative, have a positive attitude, be courteous and considerate team member, manage time effectively, concentrate on work, recognize problems and find solutions.

Skills

• Ability to guide, direct and motivate employees;
• Ability to operate and maintain various equipment used in water maintenance and repair such as backhoe, dump trucks and sewer cleaners;
• Ability to organize and supervise the activities of various crews performing effectively, verbally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the general public.

Tools and Equipment

• Motorized vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, jetter/inductor truck, backhoe, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, compressors, generators, trencher, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration.
• The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings and moderately quiet in office settings.